On Saturday, July 26 at the Seattle Public Library in Ballard, author / illustrator James A. Cole will read from his new book "Drawing on our History: Fishing Vessels of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska." The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

In sixteen chapters, Drawing on our History explores commercial fishing vessels from the carved cedar canoes built by the Native groups of the Pacific Northwest of the U. S. and British Columbia, through all of the early and contemporary commercial vessel types, including the most up-to-date freezer longliners launched and delivered in 2013.

Each chapter is devoted to a specific vessel type, opening with a painting of the vessel by the author. The chapters describe how the designs evolved and are depicted with over 120 design and pen-and-ink drawings.

The text includes tables of vessel characteristics. Sidebars include interviews with veteran fishermen, boat builders, or their family members. Some of these visits were with people that are now long
deceased, which helps connect today's reader to the essential culture of another time. Native Washingtonian James A. Cole is a past president and honorary life member of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society of Seattle and has received the King Neptune Award from the Fisheries Committee of the Norwegian Commercial Club of Ballard.

There will be a slide show. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Free.